Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom

In this episode of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom, hosts Emily Smith and Amanda Hartman — staff developers at Advancing Literacy at Teachers College, Columbia University — explore the many ways families and caregivers can make writing a meaningful and joyful part of everyday life. Drawing on research from scholars they discuss how writing (from grocery lists and thank-you notes to letters of advocacy and fan fiction) can build purpose, connection, and a sense of community in children of all ages. The episode offers practical, creative recommendations for weaving writing into daily routines beyond school requirements.Episode Resources and Book Recommendations: Tips for Engaging your Child in Joyful Writing - color | black/whiteThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansThe Book of Alchemy by Suleika JaouadI Can Write The World by Joshunda SaundersPlanting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy DeniseMore to the Story by Hena KhanThe Cat I Never Named by Amra Sabic-El-RayessTogether We Are Sunshine by Jamilah Thompkins-BigelowA Sea of Lemon Trees by María Dolores Águila World Without End by Jean-Marc Jancovici and Christophe BlainLearn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy. If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.Connect with us on Social MediaFacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn

In this episode of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom, hosts Emily Smith and Kristin Smith — staff developers at Advancing Literacy at Teachers College, Columbia University — explore how families and caregivers can nurture a lifelong love of fiction reading in children of all ages. Drawing on research by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop (windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors), brain science, and vocabulary development studies, they discuss how fiction builds empathy, expands language, and helps kids navigate real-life challenges. The episode also offers practical tips for making fiction reading a joyful part of everyday life.Episode Resources and Book Recommendations: The Coquíes Still Sing by Karina Nicole González El Niño by Pam Muñoz RyanThe Bletchley Riddle by Steve SheinkinChinese Menu by Grace LinTips for Helping Your Child Develop a Love of Fiction Reading - color | black/whiteLearn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy. If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University. Connect with us on Social MediaFacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn

What types of books should beginning readers spend time reading? In this episode of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom, we dive into decodable books — what they are, why they matter for beginning readers, and the research behind them. We'll break down the use of decodable books in plain language, share what makes a decodable book a good one, and give you practical tips for reading alongside your young learner. If your child is a beginning reader or if you just want to learn more and feel more confident with the support you provide, this one's for you.Episode Resources and Book Recommendations: Supporting Your Beginning Reader Beyond the Classroom - color and black and white The Day the Books Disappeared by Joanna Ho and Caroline KusinRuthie Rose’s Big Idea by John SchuPlátanos are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-MorrisLittle Rebels by Yuyi Morales Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? by Steve Jenkins and Robin PageHow to Bird by Rasha HamidLearn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy. If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University. 

How can family members and caregivers support kids’ literacy development outside of school, beyond the classroom? In this introductory episode, Emily Butler Smith, Amanda Hartman and Natalie Louis share research, insights, and practical advice on supporting literacy development and connection with students of all ages. Bringing their experience as former classroom teachers and current staff developers, parents, and caregivers, they consider the everyday opportunities for joyful and meaningful literacy growth.Episode Resources and Book Recommendations: Five Practical Tips for Supporting Literacy at Home (Color) and Five Practical Tips for Supporting Literacy at Home (Black and White)How to Raise an Adult Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-HaimsCulturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain by Zaretta HammondBud Finds Her Gift by Robin Wall KimmererLife After Whale by Lynn BrunelleMax in the House of Spies -The Tale of World War II by Adam GidwitzJ vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry CraftSisters in the Wind by Angeline BoulleyRising from the Ashes by Paula YooLearn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series, and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University. 

Introducing Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom – a new podcast series designed for families, caregivers, and educators who want to support young readers and writers at home.From early literacy to essay writing, AI tools to choosing great books, we're covering it all for PreK-12 students. Join us each month for a new episode where we'll explore practical strategies grounded in the latest research.Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.